Author of The First Scientists, Corey Tutt OAM is being recognised for his incredible work in community and on country

Interview Penelope Towney

Former Dapto High student and proud Kamilaroi man Corey Tutt OAM, has always had a love for science. In 2018, Corey founded DeadlyScience – a not-for-profit organisation that aims to provide science books, education and telescopes to remote schools in Australia, and connects young Indigenous people with mentors to encourage their participation in STEM subjects. Corey is also the author of The First Scientists, which was nominated for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Children’s Book of the Year 2022.

For his incredible work, Corey was named NSW Young Australian of the Year in 2020 and awarded an Order of Australia Medal this year for service to Indigenous STEM education. In this very special interview, proud Wiradjuri and Palawa kid, eight-year-old Penelope Towney chats to Corey about his favourite experiments and special places in the Illawarra.

Take it away Penelope…

Hi Corey. I’m a proud Wiradjuri and Palawa kid living with Yindyamarra (which means, respect) on Dharawal Country. I know you are a proud Kamilaroi man. The Wiradjuri and Kamilaroi nations are neighbours, which is pretty cool. I wonder if you have any Kamilaroi words you’d like to share?

Yaama bagaan, which means hello young sister. My favourite Kamilaroi words are Biggabilla, which means echidna. And Boggai, which means shingleback lizard.

Have you always been interested in science?
Had you dreamed of all you’ve achieved so far? I always loved animals and learning growing up. I really loved books too, although I couldn’t read very well when I was young. No, I certainly didn’t dream of what I have achieved, and I did not think it was possible to do the things I have been lucky enough to do. My focus from the beginning has been helping young people to follow their passions. Nothing has changed, except that I have even more energy for it now.

I’m sure you have come across many fascinating science experiments, observations and facts – is there a fun experiment kids can try at home?
I did one recently with some Deadly Junior Scientists, which was pretty cool. Take a glass jar, add some water in just below halfway, then add some cooking oil and watch it separate with the water. Place a Berocca in there, add some food colouring and it becomes an epic lava lamp.

I’ve heard you sharing lots of cool things about animals. I wonder if there’s one animal that you find especially interesting?
The other day I heard that sea urchins are playing a massive role preventing diseases in babies, thanks to their genetics. Some people eat them too. I think they’re wonderful creatures.

You have some amazing books available, and I’ve read mostly all of them. One, The First Scientists, has been nominated for a really big award – the CBCA Children’s Book of the Year. Congratulations! The First Scientists contains so many great facts and I love sharing that First Nations people were the world’s first ever bakers! Could you please tell us a little more about your book and the deadly illustrator you worked with, Blak Douglas?

We’ve had a lot of books that speak about science through a European or American lens. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the oldest living culture on Earth, yet there was nothing to tell the story of our science. That is why it’s important for people to understand First Nations science. The concept of The First Scientists was born from this and to open the eyes of young people across the nation. I met Blak Douglas back in 2019 and his style really appealed to me – it was deadly to work with him. I think he was the best person for The First Scientists to bring my ideas to life.

You are interviewed often and I’ve listened to and read quite a lot of them. Is there something you can tell us that most people don’t know about you?
I’m actually a very reserved and quiet person and don’t like to think too much about fame or anything like that. I like my own company, reading books and listening to the birds.

One of the most special places on Dharawal Country in the Illawarra to me is Bellambi Point. There are some really big middens in the sanddunes and it just makes me happy being there. Do you have a place on Dharawal Country that is special to you?

I do. I love Jump Rock at Macquarie Pass.

DeadlyScience is changing lives for so many people, right around the continent. I hope that makes you feel really Dyiramadilinya (proud). Is there somewhere people can find out more about the things you do?

You can follow all we’re up to at Deadlyscience.org.au and on our social media.

Mandaang guwu, which means thank you in Wiradjuri, Corey! Yindyamarra!